News Releases - 2009
Science satellites seek Santa
Los Alamos scientists will use two advanced science satellites to mark the course taken by the elfin traveler. - 12/16/09
Eleven nonprofit organizations receive community giving grants from Los Alamos National Security, LLC
The organizations received grants for projects that range from a summer camp for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders to providing winter coats and shoes for needy children. - 12/15/09
Unique LANL pathogen detector gains corporate partner
LANL has executed an agreement with Biomagnetics Diagnostics Corporation (BMGP) for the further development of a diagnostic tool known as an optical biosensor. - 12/14/09
Los Alamos National Laboratory employees, Lab contractor pledge record $2.3 million to local United Way organizations, other nonprofits
The Laboratory employee contributions will fund a number of United Way agencies and programs as well as other eligible nonprofit organizations. - 12/1/09
Lab begins demolition of Cold War-era buildings
More than 165,000 square feet of former research, production, and office buildings will be demolished. - 12/1/09
Lab receives $25,000 for Math and Science Academy from Chevron Energy Technology Company
The program is conducted by LANL in cooperation with its regional education, business, and government partners. - 11/30/09
Lookman and Moore named 2009 LANL Fellows Prize recipients
The Fellows organization includes some of the Laboratory’s most prominent scientists. - 11/23/09
Scientists use Roadrunner supercomputer to unravel the mysteries of exploding stars
Scientists use supercomputer to model a fundamental process in physics that could help explain how stars begin to explode into supernovae. - 11/16/09
New funding will stimulate alternative energy research
The Laboratory recently received notice that it has received ARRA funding to participate in four geothermal projects with Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico Tech, and the University of Utah. - 11/16/09
Los Alamos National Laboratory names six scientists as 2009 Fellows
Antoinette “Toni” Taylor, Stephen Becker, Joachim Birn, Lowell Brown, Patrick Colestock, and Samuel “Tom” Picraux have been designated 2009 LANL Fellows. - 11/5/09
LANL breaks ground on key sediment control project
Called “grade-control” structures, the approximately $2 million features are up to eight feet high and made of rocks packed tightly into wire enclosures. - 11/5/09
Laboratory adds a sixth R&D 100 award to its 2009 count
This year’s awards bring the Los Alamos total to 113 since the Laboratory first entered the competition in 1978. - 11/4/09
Scientists use world's fastest computer to model materials under extreme conditions
Materials scientists are for the first time attempting to create atomic-scale models that describe how voids are created, grow, and merge. - 10/30/09
Scientists use world's fastest supercomputer to explore magnetic reconnection
The focus is to understand the three-dimensional evolution of thin electrical current layers where magnetic reconnection initially develops. - 10/30/09
LANL sponsors Recovery Act Job Fair
The fair was aimed at filling current and future positions with subcontractors working on environmental cleanup under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. - 10/30/09
Zerkle wins Governor’s Distinguished Public Service award
The award recognizes outstanding contributions to public service and the improvement of government at all levels by private citizens and government employees. - 10/29/09
Scientists use world's fastest computer to simulate nanoscale material failure
With this new tool, scientists can better study what nanowires do under stress. - 10/29/09
Scientists use world's fastest computer to understand nonlinear physics of high-power lasers
To achieve fusion scientists must put as much laser energy on target as possible. - 10/28/09
Scientists use world's fastest supercomputer to create the largest HIV evolutionary tree
Researchers are using the supercomputer to analyze vast quantities of genetic sequences from HIV infected people in the hope of zeroing in on possible vaccine target areas. - 10/27/09
Neutron stars is focus of Los Alamos National Laboratory Frontiers in Science lectures
Lectures are intended to increase local public awareness of the diversity of science and engineering research at the Laboratory. - 10/27/09
Scientists use world’s fastest supercomputer to model origins of the unseen universe
The model aims to look at galaxy-scale mass concentrations above and beyond quantities seen in state-of-the-art sky surveys. - 10/26/09
Science at the petascale: Roadrunner results unveiled
The Roadrunner system is now beginning its transition to classified computing to assure the safety, security, and reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. - 10/26/09
At LANL-sponsored networking forum, businesses make their pitch for Recovery Act work
One key goal of the Recovery Act is to provide jobs and opportunities for Northern New Mexicans. - 10/22/09
Standards for a new genomic era
A team of geneticists has recently proposed a set of standards designed to elucidate the quality of publicly available genetic sequencing information. - 10/21/09
Stopping executions, saving computers with new malware detection tool
A computer tool that allows the machine to identify malicious executable files without being exposed to their harmful actions. - 10/21/09
IBEX satellite finds ribbon-like structure at edge of heliosphere
The NASA IBEX mission has sent back data that indicates a “noodle soup” of solar material has accumulated at the outer fringes of the heliosphere bubble. - 10/15/09
NNSA and Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board certifications free up $47 million in previously allocated funding
The DNFSB and NNSA required the CMRR project to address specific design issues related to safety. - 10/2/09
Oldest hominid skeleton provides new evidence for human evolution
The discovery reveals the biology of the first stage of human evolution better than anything seen to date. - 10/1/09
LANL demolishes first containment dome at disposal area
It once housed thousands of drums of radioactive waste that have been shipped to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant for disposal. - 9/30/09
Bradbury Science Museum takes part in Smithsonian’s Museum Day September 26
Museums and cultural institutions open their doors free of charge to Smithsonian magazine subscribers and Smithsonian.com visitors. - 9/21/09
"Artificial" brains, electrical grids, and disease modeling: Los Alamos science discoveries unveiled September 15
The event is an opportunity for business leaders and community members to learn about where science is heading, as well as for students to discover potential new career directions. - 9/8/09
Los Alamos technology strikes a chord with algal biofuels
Sound-wave technology is helping Solix Biofuels, Inc. optimize production of algae-based fuel in a cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally benign fashion. - 9/2/09
Laboratory to change vehicle traffic-screening regimen at vehicle inspection station
Lanes two through five will be open 24 hours a day and won’t be staffed by a Laboratory protective force officer. - 9/1/09
Hydrogen storage gets new hope
A new method for “recycling” hydrogen-containing fuel materials could open the door to economically viable hydrogen-based vehicles. - 9/1/09
LANL awards subcontracts for architectural and engineering services
The businesses are Lopez Engineering, Inc.; Merrick & Company; Mosaic-STC, A Joint Venture; Professional Project Service, Inc.; Vigil Enterprises, Inc.; and Weidlinger-Navarro Northern New Mexico Joint Venture. - 8/28/09
High-efficiency solid-state lighting and superconductor research receives funding
Each project will be funded for up to three years. - 8/28/09
Frontiers in Science lectures focus on radiography and its contributions to advancing science, medicine
Christopher Morris explains how X-rays, protons, and naturally occurring cosmic rays can be used to see through opaque objects. - 8/21/09
Regional companies eye growth
Adaptive Radio Technologies, Los Alamos Visualization Associates, Mesa Tech International Inc., and ThermaSun Inc. were awarded from the Venture Acceleration Fund. - 8/21/09
Bret Knapp to head combined Weapons Engineering, Weapons Physics Directorates at Los Alamos National Laboratory
New leadership position will allow for greater integration in the planning and execution of the stockpile stewardship program. - 8/18/09
Los Alamos National Laboratory names cleanup subcontractors
The three companies are Los Alamos Technical Associates (LATA), Portage Inc., and ARSEC Environmental, LLC (ARSEC). - 8/14/09
Lab announces Venture Acceleration Fund recipients
Adaptive Radio Technologies, Los Alamos Visualization Associates, Mesa Tech International Inc., and ThermaSun Inc. selected as recipients of awards. - 8/11/09
Los Alamos National Security creates mentor-protégé agreements with two veteran-owned businesses
New mentor-protégé agreements with SDV Construction and Trillacorpe Construction. - 7/30/09
Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists will codirect $14.5 million National Center for Systems Biology
The new Spatiotemporal Modeling Center is funded by a $14.5 million, five-year grant from the National Institute for General Medical Sciences. - 7/28/09
Charles McMillan to lead Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Weapons Program
He will provide oversight and direction for the nuclear weapons program at Los Alamos to accomplish the Laboratory’s core mission. - 7/28/09
Los Alamos National Laboratory sponsors Hazmat Challenge
The challenge provides hazardous materials responders the opportunity to network and learn new techniques under realistic conditions in a safe environment. - 7/27/09
Los Alamos National Laboratory receives Recovery Act funds
Recovery Act funds will go toward environmental compliance and cleaning up Cold War-era buildings slated for demolition. - 7/21/09
Laboratory snags five R&D 100 awards
Winning Laboratory projects are MagViz, the SIMTECHE CO2 Capture Process, Lasonix, TeraOps Software Radio, and the Artificial Retina Project. - 7/21/09
Los Alamos National Security invests in Santa Fe Community College Foundation
The new center is an educational and training facility for alternative energy and green jobs. - 7/16/09
White House honors Los Alamos physicist’s early career work
Ivan Vitev has received a prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). - 7/10/09
Laboratory, Valles Caldera sponsor environmental science event
The Summer Environmental Science Program lets students explore a wide range of science-related topics in the Valles Caldera National Preserve. - 7/9/09
Final remote-handled waste canister leaves Los Alamos National Laboratory
The Laboratory began shipping the canisters exactly one month ago and averaged four shipments per week. - 7/2/09
Laboratory issues statement on Los Alamos Historical Document Retrieval and Assessment report
This is an important document, and we take it seriously. - 6/25/09
William Rees appointed to new Global Security leadership position at Los Alamos National Laboratory
A new position that elevates the importance of the Lab’s work in key program areas, including non-proliferation, intelligence support, defense, nuclear counterterrorism, and homeland security. - 6/16/09
Frontiers in Science Lectures focus on saving energy through superconductivity
Dean Peterson discusses the science of high-temperature superconductivity in a series of Frontiers in Science lectures. - 6/12/09
Fast pandemic detection tool ready to fight flu
Researchers are developing new tools for rapidly characterizing biological pathogens that could give rise to potentially deadly pandemics such as Influenza A (H1N1). - 6/9/09
Tom Harper receives cyber security award
The Charlene Douglass Memorial Award recognizes an individual’s expertise, dedication, and significant contributions to information security. - 6/8/09
Milestone reached: Waste shipment leaves Los Alamos National Laboratory
The material, known as “remote-handled transuranic waste” (RH-TRU), has been stored at the Laboratory since 1995. - 6/2/09
Los Alamos National Security supports community nonprofits
Nonprofit organizations are receiving more than $80,300 as a result of the volunteer efforts of LANL employees and retirees. - 6/1/09
Los Alamos National Laboratory again top contributor to United Way of Santa Fe County
Laboratory employees and Los Alamos National Security, LLC donated $170,000 to the United Way of Santa Fe County’s 2008-2009 giving campaign. - 5/14/09
Solar and nuclear energy expertise to be enhanced by research centers
Los Alamos will be home to two new Energy Frontier Research Centers through a five-year funding commitment by DOE. - 5/12/09
Area schools get new computers through Los Alamos National Laboratory, IBM partnership
Northern New Mexico schools are recipients of fully loaded desktop and laptop computers. - 5/8/09
David Telles wins NNSA Security Professional of the Year award
The award recognizes one federal employee and one contractor employee whose contributions to the security programs within the NNSA enterprise exemplify the highest ideals of public service. - 5/7/09
LANL scientists named SIAM Fellows for their contributions to mathematics
James M. “Mac” Hyman, Alan S. Perelson, David H. Sharp and Burton B. “Burt” Wendroff are new Fellows of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. - 5/4/09
Breaking the ties that bind: New hope for biomass fuels
Researchers have discovered a potential chink in the armor of fibers that make the cell walls of certain inedible plant materials so tough. - 4/22/09
Albuquerque trio wins Supercomputing Challenge
Erika DeBenedictis, Tony Huang, and Chris Hong from La Cueva High School captured the top prize in the 2009 New Mexico Supercomputing Challenge. - 4/21/09
Lab seeks ideas for Venture Acceleration Fund
Projects selected will support LANL’s core missions and provide a significant opportunity for new company formation or growth in New Mexico. - 4/20/09
Earth Week event all about energy
People all across Northern New Mexico can learn about how they can play a role in energy research and energy and fuel conservation at an upcoming Energy Town Hall. - 4/16/09
Los Alamos National Lab awards $753 million in contracts
These subcontract awards for products and professional services demonstrate the Laboratory’s continued investment in New Mexico small businesses. - 4/16/09
Los Alamos National Laboratory captures eight NNSA Pollution Prevention awards
The awards are based on an NNSA-wide competition that acknowledges pollution prevention, recycling, and affirmative procurement accomplishments. - 4/15/09
Students showcase research at 19th Supercomputing Challenge Expo at Los Alamos National Laboratory
The goal is to increase knowledge of science and computing, expose students and teachers to computers and applied mathematics, and instill enthusiasm for science. - 4/14/09
Los Alamos National Laboratory cosponsors April 13 construction forum in Albuquerque
Companies big and small can learn about upcoming construction projects and procurement opportunities. - 4/7/09
Los Alamos National Laboratory cosponsors 30th Expanding Your Horizons conference
The young women will participate in hands-on activities related to fields, such as astronomy, aerospace, chemistry, and earth science. - 3/16/09
Gordon wins NNSA Safety Professional of the Year award
Gordon displayed outstanding leadership in electrical safety, both at the Laboratory and across the Department of Energy. - 3/12/09
Los Alamos researchers create ‘Map of Science’
A high-resolution graphic depiction of the virtual trails scientists leave behind when they retrieve information from online services. - 3/11/09
Search for Earth-like planets includes LANL star analysis
The mission will not only be able to search for planets around other stars, but also yield new insights into the parent stars themselves. - 3/6/09
Los Alamos identifies internal material control issue
The error relates to internal inventory and accounting that documents movement of sensitive materials within a small portion of Technical Area 55. - 2/26/09
Mike Lansing and Chris Cantwell named new associate directors
Lansing was named associate director for Safeguards and Security and Cantwell is associate director for Environment, Safety, Health & Quality. - 2/26/09
Research highlights potential for improved solar cells
Research has shown that carrier multiplication is a real phenomenon in tiny semiconductor crystals and not a false observation born of extraneous effects that mimic carrier multiplication. - 2/10/09
Los Alamos National Security awards grants to 24 nonprofits in Northern New Mexico
The grants were specifically awarded to support the efforts of Lab employees whose volunteer work with nonprofit organizations encourages a vibrant quality of life in the area. - 2/5/09
Lab scientists Burns, Hay named new AAAS Fellows
The AAAS is the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science. - 2/3/09
Los Alamos notifies employees, visitors of possible beryllium exposure
Current and former Laboratory employees and contractors who either worked at or visited the facility have been—or are in the process of being—notified. - 1/28/09
Lab announces selection of Venture Acceleration Fund recipients
Retriever Technology, Elemetric Instruments, Star Cryoelectronics, and Veezyon are recipients of awards. - 1/7/09
News Releases - 2009
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Fast Facts
People
Total employees, 10,312
Los Alamos National Security, LLC, 6,866
SOC Los Alamos (Guard Force), 381
Staff and support contractors, 774
Students, 799
Unionized craft workers, 709
Post doctoral researchers, 411
Other, 472
Place
Located 35 miles northwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico, on 36 square miles of DOE-owned property.
More than 2,000 individual facilities, including 47 technical areas with 8 million square feet under roof.
Replacement value of $9.8 billion
Budget
FY 2013: Approx. $2.1 billion
—54% Weapons programs
—10% Nonproliferation programs
—5% Safeguards and Security
—9% Environmental Management
—5% DOE Office of Science
—3% Energy and other programs
—14% Work for Others
Workforce Demographics
(LANS and students only)
34% of employees live in Los Alamos, the remainder commute from Santa Fe, Española, Taos, and Albuquerque.
Average Age: 46
—67% male, 33% female
—44% minorities
—67% university degrees
—26% hold undergraduate degrees
—18% hold master’s degrees
—23% have earned a PhD
Major Awards
124 R&D100 awards since 1978
31 E.O. Lawrence Awards
The Seaborg Medal
The Edward Teller Medal
The Nobel Prize in Physics, Frederick Reines
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